Patriots Offseason Preview

This is a preview of the Patriots Offseason
QB- Tom Brady is a top four quarterback in the NFL and anyone can make the argument that he is the best. However one concern is as Brady ages will there be a decline soon, and when should the Patriots aggressively look for his successor? Brady probably has 2 or 3 more elite years left, although he may play in his 40's. The bigger concern is who is behind him as Ryan Mallet is not ready and Brian Hoyer is unproven. They will keep on developing these guys right now.
RB- Through all of the Patriots success they never had a running back that carried the team, although when you have a quarterback like Brady you don't need it. As a team the running game wasn't much different, but individual seasons like BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead weren't matched. Two free agents are Kevin Faulk and Green-Ellis. Faulk may very well just retire and he is bigger name then he really is. As far as Green Ellis as solid as he as been the Patriots don't overpay for their players. So unless he lowers his demands he isn't expected to be back. Steven Ridley then is expected to take a bigger load in the running game. They would then add depth in the draft.
WR- The receivers for the Pats has transitioned from using mainly big receivers to now Smaller and quicker ones. They did a very good job, although they have there limitations. If you can successful press these guys, like the Giants and Steelers did last year you would be able to limit what the Patriots could do in the Passing game. Chad Johnson was supposed to be the deep threat but that idea failed miserably. Other free agents are Deion Branch and Wes Welker. Welker won't be going anywhere and expect them to hit him with the franchise tag. However the Patriots need to find more young receivers and because of this expect the Pats to not resign Deion Branch. Although in training camp if the young receivers are meeting expectations, they could be giving him a call to resign him cheaply. Look for them early in the draft to target a big receiver.
TE- The New England Patriots have the dream scenario at the tight end position. In which having two all-pro tight ends. First have you have Rob Gronkowski who may be the best tight end in the NFL. Among the new young tight ends he is really the only one who is a good blocker. But with that he is a great receiver. In Aaron Hernandez who may be one of the most athletically gifted tight ends. He allows the Patriots to go in their no huddle more effectively because he can lineup as a tight end, running back, or wide receiver.
OL- The Patriots may never have one of the elite lines in the NFL, but they are one of the best in terms of protecting Tom Brady. They have in more recent years solidified the Tackles with picking Nate Solder in the 1st round last year. They have filled the guard position opposite Logan Mankins with Brian Waters, who had a great year. But as he ages you need to find a replacement. Look for them to target a guard in the mid to late rounds of the draft.
DL- Couple of years ago the Patriots had one of the best 3-4 d-lines, however with being unable to replace Richard Seymour and Ty Warren, the Patriots were forced to switch into some more 4-3 fronts. They worked pretty good in the first half with Andre Carter having a pro bowl year, but with him being out for the year they had to find other ways to create pass rushers. The Patriots don't have an interior pass rusher. Look for to look for one in the early to mid rounds.
LB- Like the d-line the linebacker core was in transition switching to some 4-3 fronts. They have done a great job at finding two future pro bowlers in Jerod Mayo and Brandon Spikes. However they had no one to rush the passer in their 3-4 fronts. Look them to look for an outside pass rusher early in the draft.
DB- Outside of Patrick Chung the rest of the secondary played horrible consistently most of the year before the playoffs where they showed improvement. One thing that does have to concern the Patriots is the play of Devin McCourty he showed great promise in 2010, but last year took a huge step back. Outside of one of the safety spots expect the Patriots to draft aggressively early in the draft.